Charlie McConalogue (Donegal North East, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Minister for his response. Given that the budget is taking place next week, I was hoping for something more reassuring from the Minister, such as an understanding of the pressures teachers are facing in schools as a result of the current pupil-teacher ratios. Media articles in recent weeks have given rise to speculation that there may be an increase in those ratios. The Minister has indicated on several occasions that he might have to consider such an increase. He has refused to rule it out on the floor of the Dáil on a couple of occasions. I am disappointed that the response he has given today is not stronger. I understand that all will be revealed in next week's budget. The Minister has indicated before now that up to €100 million could be taken out of the education budget. Fianna Fáil's position is very clear - education spending and services should be protected. While I appreciate that it is difficult to find savings elsewhere, that is what the Government should try to do. Up to 30% of students are in classrooms of over 30 pupils. I urge the Minister to elaborate in his response on how pupil-teacher ratios might be protected in next week's budget.

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